A mala (Tibetan: threngwa or trenwa) is considered an extremely sacred meditation support for Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus alike. Since ancient times they have traditionally been used to help aid the practice of mantra recitations and deity yoga. Here the mala is seen to be inseparable from one's personal yidam and therefore they are no longer viewed as ordinary beads. Malas are believed to be charged with the energy of the deity and are treated with great reverence. They are also used to keep track of text recitations, prostrations or to help with other Dharma activities such as Mo divinations. Mantras are counted in order to complete important aspects of the practice and ultimately to bring the practitioner to liberation. Some mantrikas spend their lives accumulating many millions or even billions of mantras and thus achieve very high levels of realisation.

The benefits of reciting the mantraOm Mani Peme Hung

"It is mentioned in the tantras that by reciting this mantra, you will achieve the four qualities of being born in the Amitabha Buddha pure land and other pure lands; at the time of death, seeing Buddhas and lights appearing in the sky; the devas making you offerings; and never being reborn in the hell, hungry ghost or animals realms. You will be reborn in the pure land of Buddha or as a happy transmigratory being. "When one who recites ten malas a day goes swimming, whether in a river, an ocean or some other body of water, the water that touches that personís body gets blessed. It is said that up to seven generations of that personís descendents wonít get reborn in the lower realms. The reason for this is that due to the power of mantra, the body is blessed by the person reciting the mantra and visualizing their body in form of the holy body of Chenrezig. Therefore, the body becomes so powerful, so blessed that this affects the consciousness up to seven generations and has the effect that if one dies with a non-virtuous thought, one is not reborn in a lower realm. Thus, when a person who has recited ten malas of om mani padme hum a day goes into a river or an ocean, the water that touches the personís body gets blessed, and this blessed water then purifies all the billions and billions of sentient beings in the water. So itís unbelievably beneficial; this person saves the animals in that water from the most unbelievable suffering of the lower realms. When such a person walks down a road and the wind touches his or her body and then goes on to touch insects, their negative karma gets purified and causes them to have a good rebirth. Similarly, when such a person does massage or otherwise touches othersí bodies, those peopleís negative karma also gets purified. Such a person becomes meaningful to behold; being seen and touched becomes a means of liberating other sentient beings. This means that even the personís breath touching the bodies of other sentient beings purifies their negative karma. Anybody who drinks the water in which such a person has swum gets purified" ~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche ~

and The benefits of recitingOm Ah Hung Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hung

"......if this essence mantra, the Vajra Guru mantra, is repeated as much as possible, a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times, a hundred thousand times, a million, ten million, a hundred million times and so forth, if it is repeated in holy places, in temples, next to great rivers, in areas where gods and demons abound, if it is recited in these places by tantric practitioners with pure samaya, by people with monastic ordination who maintain their vows purely, by men and women who possess faith in the teachings, if they give rise to bodhicitta on a grand scale and recite this mantra, then the benefits and advantages and energy of such practice are truly inconceivable. This will avert all of the negative forces of disease, famine, unrest, bad harvests and all bad omens and indications in all the countries of the world. The rain will fall in a timely manner for the crops, so there will always be a plentiful supply of water for agriculture and for human and animal life, and all regions and areas will experience prosperity and auspicious conditions" ~Guru Rinpoche~

Large malas, traditionally made of 108 beads or sometimes 111 if you include dividers, are usually worn around the left wrist. Hand malas, typically made up of 27, 21 or 18 beads, can also be used for practice and are easier to use whilst doing prostrations. When counting, the mala is normally held in the left hand at the level of the heart, and one of the beads immediately next to the guru bead is used to register the first mantra. The thumb acts as a vajra hook and draws the blessing of the mantra towards you. Some believe that the energy of accumulated mantras is stored in the mala, one of the many reasons malas are cherished by those who use them. Bodhiseed malas are considered appropriate for counting all kinds of mantras, prayers, prostrations and circumambulations. Other types of stone, seed or coloured bead are used because of their association to a Yidam deity or specific practice. Crystal or conch shell beads are particularly appropriate for prayers linked with Chenrezig; sandalwood is valued for pacifying; bone can be used for wrathful practices. Tibetans also prize malas made of coral, lapis, turquoise and carnelian and these beads are often added to malas as extra dividers or used to replace damaged or missing beads. Beads such as the dZi stone are amongst the most sought after of all Himalayan beads and are also added to malas as dividers.

Please click the sub categories above to see a wide range of traditional malas. We also have a wonderful selection of Himalayan beads which can be used as dividers or markers. We also stock hand malas, counters, guru beads and mala cord.

Many of our customers choose to have a unique custom made mala created. You are very welcome to email us with your individual requirements and we will do our best to provide for your needs.

Om Rutsira Mani Prawa Taya Hum

It mentions in the tantra named 'The Palace of Vast Jewels', that one should recite the above mantra seven times. After this, one should then blow on the mala to increase the power of subsequent mantra recitations.

A genuine translucent amber mala from the Baltic sea. Real amber beads are incredibly difficult to source in this quality. Each bead displays a vibrant golden yellow colour and they are perfectly matched.

A genuine translucent amber mala from the Baltic sea region with a classic deep honey or cognac colour. Baltic amber has long been regarded as the very best in the world. Since ancient times amber has been prized in various cultures. The Greeks called it 'elektron', meaning 'formed by the sun'. It was thus a material imbued with magical power and connected to the sun god Helios.

A genuine translucent amber mala from the Baltic sea region with a classic deep honey or cognac colour. Baltic amber has long been regarded as the very best in the world. Since ancient times amber has been prized in various cultures. The Greeks called it 'elektron', meaning 'formed by the sun'. It was thus a material imbued with magical power and connected to the sun god Helios.

A rare gemstone mala comprised of 108 genuine sapphire beads. The beads are a deep royal blue colour. The guru bead is crafted from genuine Lapis Lazuli and there are additional sapphire beads strung on the tassle. Blue Sapphire beads are particularly sought after by those who do the practice of the Medicine Buddha. The Medicine Buddha is often associated with Lapis Lazuli, however, it is now widely accepted that blue sapphire is a more accurate gemstone to be attributed to him. Indeed, he is often referred to as the King of Sapphire Light.

A rare natural gemstone mala comprised of 108 genuine sapphire and ruby beads. Both gemstones are a variety of the mineral known as Corundum, one of the hardest known gemstones with a particular high density.

The name "Corundum" is probably derived from "Kuruvindam", which is the Tamil (Sri Lanka) word for ruby. When corundum is red it is typically called ruby and when blue, orange, green or yellow they are typically seen as sapphires. The beads on this mala display a range of colours, from royal blue to deep maroon. The guru bead is crafted from genuine Lapis Lazuli and there are additional sapphire beads strung on the tassle.

These lovely Chinese knotwork cords are a wonderful way to showcase a
special bead. The loose cord at the bottom allows you to thread a bead
and wear it vertically as a pendant. By pulling the two knots at the top
you are able to adjust the length.

A wonderful mala comprised of vibrant natural amazonite beads with large faceted smoky quartz dividers and a large agate guru bead. The amazonite is a very striking blue green colour and the name is derived from the Amazon River from which green stones were once obtained. Today the primary source of Amazonite is Russia and the USA.

An amazing mala comprised of golden pyrite stone beads. Each bead is carved in the shape of a skull and is a wonderful reminder of impermanence! The mala also includes turquoise dividers and a large turquoise guru bead.

A lovely looking mala crafted from 'agate wood'. The wood has a fine grain with natural eyes that closely resemble the gemstone agate. The mala has faux amber dividers flanked by turquoise. It is finished with a silver plated vajra and additional beads on the tassle.

A lovely looking mala crafted from 'agate wood'. The wood has a fine grain with natural eyes that closely resemble the gemstone agate. It is finished with a silver plated vajra and additional beads on the tassle.

An incredible mala made from one of the rarest green gemstones on the planet. Maw Sit Sit has only been found in one location in the world and that is Tawmaw, Burma. It is famous for its deep lush greens with black streaks or spots and is often compared with Jade because both stones are mined in the same location. This mala has been strung with a genuine Burmese Jadeite guru bead and Jadeite tassle and includes rare faceted green emerald dividers. This would be a wonderful mala for someone who has a deity practice connected with Buddha Amoghasiddhi, Green Tara and other deities within this Dhyani Buddha family. Beautiful!

An incredible mala made from one of the rarest green gemstones on the planet. Maw Sit Sit has only been found in one location in the world and that is Tawmaw, Burma. It is famous for its deep lush greens with black streaks or spots and is often compared with Jade because both stones are mined in the same location. This mala has also been strung with a Jadeite guru bead and Jadeite tassle and includes rare faceted green emerald dividers. This would be a wonderful mala for someone who has a deity practice connected with Buddha Amoghasiddhi, Green Tara and other deities within this Dhyani Buddha family. Beautiful!

A fine lotus seed mala with dark reddish brown seeds. Many practitioners prefer this darker colour to the more commonly seen white seeds. A simple and very attractive mala that will turn much darker with regular use. Practice using a lotus seed mala is thought to increase merit and virtue.

A fine lotus seed mala with deep reddish brown seeds in a more unusual oval shape. It also has three carnelian dividers and a lotus seed beaded tassle. Meditation using a lotus seed mala is thought to increase merit and virtue.

A lovely rounded disc shaped lotus seed mala. A simple and attractive 108 bead mala that will turn a beautiful dark colour with regular use and age. Meditation using a lotus seed mala is thought to increase merit and virtue.

A genuine gemstone ruby mala with extremely difficult to source round beads. This mala is comprised of 108 ruby beads and a large faceted ruby guru bead and a ruby beaded tassle. Ruby is often associated with the practice of Vajra Yogini or deities connected with the lotus family such as Amitabha Buddha. Among all the known gemstones, only diamonds and Moissanite are harder.

This lovely mala is comprised of 108 genuine faceted ruby beads and lapis lazuli dividers. It is finished with a large lapis lazuli guru bead and a ruby beaded tassle. Ruby is often associated with the practice of Vajra Yogini or deities connected with the lotus family such as Amitabha Buddha.

This beautiful mala is comprised of 108 genuine ruby beads, plus three faceted quartz crystal dividers, a quartz crystal guru bead and quartz crystal beaded tassle. Ruby is often associated with the practice of Vajra Yogini or Buddhas and Yidams of the lotus family, such as Amitabha Buddha. This is the smallest natural ruby mala in our inventory.

Available by special order only. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

A genuine round faceted ruby mala with amethyst dividers. This mala is comprised of 108 genuine ruby beads and a large rose quartz guru bead. The beaded tassle is comprised of red garnet. Ruby is often associated with the practice of Vajra Yogini.

Available by special order only. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

A genuine round faceted ruby mala with amethyst dividers. This mala is comprised of 108 genuine ruby beads and a large fine quality carnelian guru bead. Ruby is often associated with the practices of red coloured deities such as Vajra Yogini or Amitabha Buddha. Each mala is hand strung and finished with a braided Tibetan style knot and carnelian beaded tassle.

A rare mala comprised of 108 green jadeite beads and three natural gemstone ruby dividers. These genuine jadeite beads are not to be confused with cheaper 'new jade' or serpentine alternatives that are offered in the marketplace. A gorgeous mala!

Available by special order only. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

Our smallest green jadeite mala. Comprised of 108 medium green jadeite beads and three genuine ruby dividers. These genuine jadeite beads are not to be confused with cheaper 'new jade' or serpentine alternatives seen in the marketplace.

A rare mala comprised of genuine natural white jadeite with a very slight green hue when held in different lights. Including three natural dark green jadeite dividers and a natural green jadeite guru bead. These beads have not been colour enhanced or dyed in any way. The Chinese have prized white jade for thousands of years, where it is known as the 'stone of Heaven' or the 'Royal Gemstone'.

Natural untreated jadeite.bead size approx 10 mm
Origin: Burma

beads may appear more green or white depending on the calibration of your monitor.

Ruby Zoisite, also know as Anyolite, is the natural occurence of ruby and zoisite crystals in a single specimen. Zoisite is also the same mineral known as Tanzanite. Each bead displays deep greens to blacks and are occasionally flecked with rubies.

A delightful mala with colours ranging from subtle greys to deep maroons. Picture Jasper is a natural variety of chalcedony. This mala is comprised of 108 beads plus three carnelian dividers and carnelian guru bead. Also includes a carnelian beaded tassle.

A gorgeous natural Chrysoprase mala with a green Jadeite guru bead and green Jadeite beaded tassle. Chrysoprase is a rare variety of Chalcedony. Colour ranges from a lighter apple green to much deeper greens of the forest.

A delightful mala comprised of natural fossil stone beads from India. The material is called Calligraphy Stone because of the script-like fossil inclusions. Beads will display natural stripes and eyes and can vary in colour from deep browns to yellows. This mala is comprised of 108 beads plus a large red jasper guru bead. Also includes a beaded tassle.

A fantastic natural Sunstone mala with a smoky rutilated crystal guru bead and clear crystal dividers. Sunstone is a variety of the mineral known as Feldspar. The stone has flecks of red copper inclusions that sparkle when held in the light.

All stones are natural and untreated.108 Sunstone beads plus three crystal dividers and guru bead with crystal beaded tassle.

A vibrant deep red carnelian mala with natural rock crystal dividers and
carnelian beaded tassle. Red coloured gemstone beads are often
associated with Buddhas and Yidams of the Lotus Family, such as Amitabha
Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava and other red deities such as Hayagriva
and Vajrayogini.

A lovely mala comprised of black and white striped agate beads that are designed to resemble ancient dZi beads. Includes a carnelian guru bead and beaded tassle. Each bead is unique so there will be slight colour variations between each bead.

A great mala comprised of 108 round agate dZi beads. Each agate bead displays three eyes. The large guru bead is crafted from natural banded agate. Includes a silver Bhum counter and banded agate beaded tassle.

A vibrant mala comprised of fine flourite beads. This gem has long been sought afer for its range of translucent greens, blues and purples. Complete with a large faceted Amethyst guru bead and amethyst beaded tassle.

"Fluorite derives from the Latin noun fluo, meaning a stream or flow of water. In verb form this was fluor or fluere, meaning to flow. The mineral fluorite was originally termed fluorospar and was first discussed in print in a 1530 work Bermannus, sive de re metallica dialogus [Bermannus; or a dialogue about the nature of metals], by Georgius Agricola."

bead size approx 8 mm
108 Beads plus the Guru Bead.

Each mala is crafted from natural gemstones and so please expect variation in colour between beads.

It
is believed that a mala made from Bodhiseed increases the merit of any
form of practice, be it peaceful, expansive, powerful or wrathful.Authentic Natural Nepalese Bodhiseedapprox 10.5 mm to 11.5 (hole to hole)

This is a wonderful mala crafted from Indian conch or chank shell. Malas made from conch are often associated with the practice of Chenrezig.
Due to the nature of conch and the fact that each bead is hand made, there will be very slight differences to each bead. The black fissures and pitting are natural inclusions in the shell and should not be considered as a defect. Please do not expect perfectly calibrated beads because these are not machine made.

A superb mala crafted from Indian conch or chank shell. Malas made from conch are often associated with the practice of Chenrezig.
Due to the nature of conch and the fact that each bead is hand made, there will be very slight differences to each bead. The black fissures and pitting are natural inclusions in the shell and should not be considered as a defect. Please do not expect perfectly calibrated beads because these are not machine made. Many beads have also been filled with tiny pieces of coral and turquoise. A powerful mala!

A very nice Indian conch (chank) shell mala. Beads will display natural pitting and colour variations which is inherent in the shell. These heavy beads are hand crafted, so there will be very slight variations in size.

A large and heavy conch (chank) shell mala with hard to find disc shaped beads. Beads will display natural pitting and colour variations which is inherent in the shell. The beads will also vary slightly in size because each one is hand cut.

A high quality mala made from polished conch (chank) shell. Includes an eternal knot beaded tassle and small carnelian dividers. Use of this Mala is particularly appropriate for the practice of Chenrezig and other peaceful deities.

A substantial 108 bead mala made from vibrant fine quality mother of pearl and a large conch guru bead. Due to the nature of mother of pearl, beads may display natural colour variations. Lovely iridescence!